asked Her Majesty's Government:In view of the recent announcement of the extra £14–£15 million support for the textile industry, what plans they have to help that part of the industry located in Northern Ireland. [HL2720]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced a 12-point plan to help the UK textile and clothing industry on 6 June. The package as a whole has national application and most of the activities it supports will be open to companies in Northern Ireland as well as elsewhere in the UK. This support is in addition to the assistance the department has given over the last three years to the textile and clothing industry in Northern Ireland through funding of the Northern Ireland Growth Challenge.